Red Skelton Museum grand opening is Thursday

Waiting for pictures, but story has been edited (joan)

VINCENNES, Ind. - On the 100th anniversary of his birth, comedian Red Skelton will get another tribute to his years of making others smile.

Fans from across the country are expected in Vincennes, Ind., Thursday for the grand opening of the Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy.

The comedian's birth home is within sight of the museum and adjoining Red Skelton Performing Arts Center on Vincennes University's campus.

Among those expected for the opening ceremonies are "M*A*S*H" actor Jamie Farr, who considered Skelton a mentor and good friend, Skelton impersonator Tom Mullica, musical guests Sally Harmon and Frank Gruner and Skelton's widow, Lothian Skelton.

"Red Skelton was one of the most famous entertainers of the past century," said Philip Summers, chairman of the Red Skelton Museum Board and VU president emeritus. "He was on television for 20 years, starred in about 30 movies, had a syndicated radio show and was considered to be an outstanding performer in so many areas.

"And he has a compelling story. He was a renaissance man."

Farr, a fan of Skelton's radio show as a kid, gives Skelton credit for giving him his start in television. For two seasons, Farr was a regular on "The Red Skelton Show," one of America's top-rated and longest-running television shows. Farr calls Skelton one of his "all-time heroes."

Skelton was born into poverty on Vincennes' north side. His father died two months before he was born and his mother struggled to support him and his three older brothers. At an early age, he started doing whatever he could to keep the family afloat.

"Through his own talent and perseverance and willingness to learn, he became one of the most well-known and beloved entertainers in the past century," Summers said.

One of Skelton's more famous works was his interpretation of the "Pledge of Allegiance" that has been read into the Congressional record twice and still is widely circulated.

The "Red Skelton Show" was broadcast on television from 1951 to 1971 and earned Skelton three Emmy Awards. A prolific artist, writer, musical composer and movie actor who performed to sell-out stage audiences nationwide, he was awarded in 1986 the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Governor's Award for lifetime achievement.

Thursday's celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. with a public ribbon-cutting that is open to everyone. A VIP reception with Lothian Skelton from 5 to 7 p.m. includes special seating during the show, admission to the museum and a dessert reception.

The museum will feature Skelton memorabilia — donated by Lothian Skelton — valued at more than $4.5 million, including original costumes and 200 original Skelton paintings.

The interactive exhibits include Skelton's famous characters, a biographical film in the museum theater, a timeline of his life and his interpretation of the "Pledge of Allegiance."

Plans already are underway to expand the museum with exhibits of Skelton's career in vaudeville, radio, television and the movies.

Summers described the museum experience as "interesting and engaging" and said the exhibits all allow for interaction. Visitors can decorate pictures of themselves as a clown, see a particular costume in action in one of Skelton's shows and learn more about his characters.

Friday will be senior day at the museum, with free admission to anyone older than 60. Visitors can be a part of the video blog of Red Skelton stories that will be added to the collection. Saturday is family day, with free admission to those 18 and younger accompanied by an adult. Included will be special hands-on activities about comedy, humor and laughter.

Summers said the museum is a great addition to not only VU, but also the communityn.

The Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor selected Vincennes for its 2014 National Conference. Organizers expect between 200 and 300 professionals to travel to Vincennes, a city selected because of the Skelton Museum.